Nashville, Tenn. (August 26, 2026) - For many, the Tennessee State Fair is synonymous with thrilling rides, deep-fried foods, and diverse exhibits, but nestled among the bustling crowds and colorful attractions is an exhibit with a life-saving mission.
Park Rangers Arielle Waters and Jack Kelly from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District at Old Hickory Lake recently used one of the state’s largest gatherings to engage the public, foster stronger community ties, and share crucial water safety practices.
A Proactive Approach to Saving Lives Old Hickory Lake is a prime destination for boating, swimming, and fishing, making water and boating safety a top priority for the USACE staff. Rather than waiting for visitors to arrive at the lake, the park rangers are taking their message directly to the community.
Waters and Kelly set up an interactive booth Aug. 13-22, 2026, at the Tennessee State Fair, and engaged visitors to make safety an approachable and memorable topic. The booth served as a hub of education where visitors can pick up pamphlets, lake maps, and information on local recreation areas. To draw people in and spark conversation, the rangers offered free water safety giveaways including educational materials and prizes for lake goers.
They encouraged everyone they talked with to wear a properly fitted life jacket, understand the risks of their surroundings, and to practice safe boating.
Building Stronger Community Relations Attending the fair isn’t just about handing out brochures; it’s about building genuine, positive relationships with the people who recreate on Tennessee’s waterways.
“My experience engaging with the public was a very positive one,” said Kelly, who helped spearhead these efforts. “Everyone we encountered had such a high interest towards what we do, enjoyed learning more about water safety and different experiences our lakes can offer.”
For the rangers, face-to-face engagement breaks down barriers. It transforms the uniform from a symbol of enforcement into a welcoming community resource. Fairgoers frequently stopped by the booth to ask questions about lake boundaries, hunting seasons, and the proper use of personal flotation devices. By providing helpful, on-the-spot answers, the rangers establish themselves as dedicated public servants interested in the community’s well-being.
A Shared Responsibility As families continue to flock to the water for recreation, the Old Hickory park rangers hope their presence at the fair left a lasting impression. Water safety is a shared responsibility, and a brief conversation at a fairground booth could very well be the difference between a tragedy and a safe trip home.
By stepping out of the parks and into the community, these rangers are proving that their commitment to public safety doesn’t end at the shoreline.
The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X (formerly Twitter) at http://www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.